Airtel Africa Partners With SpaceX to Expand Starlink Internet Across the Continent

Telecom giant Airtel Africa has signed a landmark agreement with SpaceX to deploy Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services across Africa, marking a major step toward enhancing digital inclusion and connectivity in underserved regions.

Licensing and Expansion Plans

According to Airtel, SpaceX has already secured operating licenses in 9 out of the 14 African countries where Airtel operates, with licensing for the remaining five nations currently underway.

The collaboration will integrate Starlink’s satellite technology into Airtel Africa’s existing infrastructure, enabling expanded internet access for rural communities, schools, healthcare centers, and small businesses.

Enhancing Mobile Coverage via Satellite

The partnership also aims to leverage satellite backhaul to improve mobile network coverage in remote and hard-to-reach locations.

“This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships,” said Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa.

“Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity—even in the most remote parts of Africa.”

For SpaceX, the deal provides access to Airtel’s extensive ground infrastructure, facilitating the expansion of Starlink’s footprint and supporting broader digital transformation initiatives in Africa.

“The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business,” said Chad Gibbs, SpaceX’s VP of Starlink Business Operations.

Starlink is already available in over 20 African markets, and this collaboration signals deeper efforts to accelerate digital inclusion and economic empowerment.

Why This Partnership Matters

The Airtel-SpaceX agreement highlights a growing trend where mobile network operators (MNOs) are collaborating with satellite providers—a sector once perceived as competition.

This shift is particularly notable in markets like Nigeria, where Starlink has been gaining significant traction at the expense of traditional internet service providers (ISPs) and MNOs.

Other Telecom-Satellite Collaborations

• MTN Group announced talks with multiple satellite providers, including Starlink, to expand services in underserved regions.
• Enterprise-grade trials are underway in Rwanda and Nigeria.
• MTN is also exploring direct-to-cell trials with Lynk Global in South Africa and Ghana.
• Discussions with AST SpaceMobile for trials in Nigeria and South Sudan are in progress.
• Planned pilot with Eutelsat OneWeb in South Africa.

For more details, read the original article on Nairametrics.